WATCH & JEWELRY /
WATCH NEWS
December 19, 2016
Is this a dream, or an illusion? A room surrounded by ultra-complicated watches | GIRARD-PERREGAUX
GIRARD-PERREGAUX
Precious moments spent with works of art. This door
was opened for a select few watch connoisseurs. (1)
Girard-Perregaux embarked on a new event. It was an opportunity to showcase the brand's proud "high complication watches" in Japan, including tourbillons, minute repeaters, and combined models. Surrounded by rare models, some worth hundreds of millions of yen, enthusiasts carefully examined their preferred timepieces.
Photographs by KISHIDA KatsunoriText by TSUCHIDA Takashi (OPENERS)
Complete Personal Service. And the Manufacture's
Presentation by the Head of Product Development
Finally, such a wonderful event has come to be held in Japan. It was an event that delved deeply into the essence of luxury.
At the annual international watch exhibition BASELWORLD, Girard-Perregaux has always had a special room within its booth dedicated to "high complication watches." Known among Girard-Perregaux staff as the "HH Room," it was accessible only to top buyers and discerning collectors from around the world. This event was an attempt to recreate that exclusive room in Japan, offering a comprehensive introduction to the brand's exceptionally rare high complication timepieces.
Among the historic manufactures, Girard-Perregaux excels in mastering ultra-complex techniques. However, many of these rare creations are sold to their owners immediately upon production, without ever reaching the market. Consequently, opportunities to be surrounded by Girard-Perregaux's delicate and magnificent mechanisms are scarce, even in Switzerland, and exceptionally rare in Japan.
The two H's in "HH Room" stand for "HAUTE HORLOGERIE," meaning high watchmaking. If "HAUTE COUTURE" refers to high fashion tailoring, then Haute Horlogerie is its equivalent in the world of watches.
The event's purpose was to present products with the ultimate goal of sales to top clients. Therefore, not everyone could casually enter the room. Nevertheless, it was undoubtedly a dream-like opportunity for enthusiasts. This is the hospitality expected from a brand dealing in luxury items. In 2016, the event was held for one day each in Tokyo and Osaka, totaling two days. We look forward to the further development of this event in the coming years.
Page02.The many high complications Girard-Perregaux has created
GIRARD-PERREGAUX
Precious moments spent with works of art. This door
was opened for a select few watch connoisseurs. (2)
The many high complications Girard-Perregaux has created
have been created
This is the first time in the world that the "HH Room," as it is known, has traveled beyond the Basel exhibition. Sowind Japan negotiated with the Swiss headquarters for Japanese users, making this the first realization this year. In the video below, all the timepieces displayed on both sides are "high complication watches." Indeed, there was nothing obstructing the view of the products, and they were within reach. Of course, no one present would be so ill-mannered as to attempt to touch them with bare hands without permission.
Stefano Macaluso, who oversees the brand's product development department at the headquarters, explained the highlights of these intricate mechanisms in detail.
As the person who conceptualized the products himself was explaining, his passion was palpable. Conversely, for users considering purchasing high-value items, this was an invaluable experience. He shared subtle development details not found in press releases. One could imagine the users' excitement, exclaiming, "Ah, so that's why it's designed this way."
Guests were allowed to handle the products at their tables, sometimes posing questions to Mr. Macaluso as the discussion progressed. In a completely private setting, without the presence of other customers, each guest enjoyed an exclusive experience.
Stefano Macaluso, Head of Product Development at Girard-Perregaux
Incidentally, the models introduced this time include the following.
Highlight Item No. 1
La Esmeralda Tourbillon
A new creation for 2016, paying homage to the "Three Gold Bridges Tourbillon" pocket watch that won a gold medal at the 1889 Paris Exposition. The arrow-shaped bridges, faithfully reproducing the original design, exude a strong presence. Features a tourbillon at the 6 o'clock position. ¥21,450,000 (18K pink gold, excluding tax).
Highlight Item No. 2
Minute Repeater Bridges Tourbillon
A masterpiece that allows enjoyment through both sight and sound, with the movement of the tourbillon and minute repeater mechanisms, and the chimes of the minute repeater, all while worn on the wrist. The case is made of titanium. ¥37,350,000 (Titanium, excluding tax). *Although a different model, here is a sound sample of a Girard-Perregaux minute repeater (https://www.youtube.com/user/GPwatchesOfficial).
Highlight Item No. 3
Tri-Axial Tourbillon
The movement of the three-axis tourbillon can be admired through the domed crystal at the 9 o'clock position and the small windows on the case side. While equipped with traditional complex mechanisms, it achieves a timeless design. ¥39,770,000 (Titanium, excluding tax).
Notably, approximately 20 watches, including the ones mentioned above, were prepared and ready for sale, with the possibility of taking them home immediately. Although there were no such requests due to security reasons, it would have been possible upon request. The models actually sold have not been disclosed, but it is understood that several pieces found their way to Japanese owners during this event.
The selected users must have had an unforgettable experience, touching the depths of watchmaking and sharing that passion. Each of these moments cultivates the brand and adds weight to its luxury. This is what was meant by "delving into the essence of luxury" mentioned at the beginning.
Furthermore, we must not forget that the technology cultivated through the development of such high complications is eventually applied to standard models, and its essence permeates the entire brand in the future. Although these are products of high rarity and exceptional price, accessible only to a very limited few, the information conveyed by their trends holds significant meaning. This, too, is a fact.
Inquiries
Sowind Japan
Tel.03-5211-1791
http://www.girard-perregaux.com/